 Martha Gabel Fine Arts Coordinator Olathe Bio Martha Gabel is the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Olathe Public Schools, supporting teachers, curriculum, and professional development within the areas of music, theatre, visual art, forensics, and debate as well as mentoring and coaching new Fine Arts educators. Prior to taking this position, she taught elementary general music and directed children's choirs for 19 years in a variety of elementary buildings throughout the Olathe District. Martha earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, a Master of Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Education, and a Master of Science in School Leadership, both from Baker University. Martha's leadership experiences in music education include serving on the writing committees for the Kansas State Music Curriculum Framework, and the Kansas State Music Standards, KMEA Elementary Chair, and the Kansas Music Propel cadre. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Olathe Youth Symphony Association and holds memberships in NAfME, KMEA, ACDA, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Philosophy Statement Music adds a richness and vibrancy to our students' educational experience. Not only does it enhance all academic areas and help young people build strong work ethics, but it also provides opportunities for many of our students to find their passion and a place to belong. As KMEA members, we understand the enduring impact that a successful music education experience can have in the lives of our students. The opportunity to receive comprehensive and sequential music instruction from licensed music education professionals at all levels is imperative to the success of our Kansas students. Ensuring all students have this opportunity must continue to be KMEA's priority. The strong advocacy efforts initiated by KMEA are crucial to this mission and must continue. Furthermore, KMEA can play a critical role in this process by mentoring and supporting new music educators, and by providing experienced music educators with ongoing, high-quality professional development. These efforts will help to guarantee that music continues to be a vital part of every Kansas student's education. |
 Scott Hay Vocal Director Haven Bio Scott Hay spent sixteen years teaching in the Wichita Public Schools and is currently in his tenth year as the vocal director at Haven Middle and High Schools. Scott earned his BME at West Texas State and his MME from Wichita State. Scott has served his profession on the state board of KCDA, as District & State Choral Chair for KMEA, as President of SCKMEA, and currently sits on the KMEA Festivals Committee. Over the past 10 years, he also enjoyed supporting the KSHSAA and students by serving as the Festival Manager for one of the SLG Music Festivals. Philosophy Statement Research has proven music education benefits all students. These benefits include learning self-expression, problem solving, organization, and communication along with a musical skill. We must do everything in our power as individuals and as an organization to keep music embedded in the curriculum of every child. As music educators, part of our responsibility involves continued learning. Attending workshops and conventions and staying active in performing ensembles exposes us to new and varied teaching techniques and materials. After being involved in workshops and conventions, we return to our classrooms renewed, able to keep techniques that are successful, and add new approaches to that "bag of tricks" each year. Searching out new quality literature that challenges our students and sets them up for success should be an ongoing task for each of us. As music educators, we must continue to learn and to stretch ourselves if we want to teach students a lifelong skill. |